Nine days after they lost four of their own to unrestricted free agency, the Devils finally signed someone yesterday, former Islanders goalie Yann Danis.
The 28-year-old is expected to compete in training camp to back up Martin Brodeur, after leading the Isles with a 2.86 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and two shutouts last season. He went 10-17-3 in 31 appearances for the dead-last Islanders.
An NCAA East All-America at Brown in 2004, Danis was signed by the Canadiens that year, but only played six games for the Habs, going 3-2. The backup job behind Brodeur is currently vacant, with last season’s hero, Scott Clemmensen, signed by Florida, and Kevin Weekes unsigned. Clemmensen, Brian Gionta (Montreal), Mike Rupp (Pittsburgh) and John Madden (Chicago) left New Jersey on July 1.
One possible New Jersey target, ex-Devil center Brendan Morrison, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Capitals yesterday.
The Devils also picked up forward Ted Sestito, from Rome N.Y., from the Oilers for a conditional draft pick next June. Sestito spent most of last season in the minors.